LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Staying on pain medication can be OK

The April 22 op-ed column about pain medication by Mary J. Wall, “Doctors can help resolve Ohio’s opioid crisis,” is almost right, except for those of us who really need medication.

I was transferred to a pain clinic by my new doctor. I was told I was going to be taken off pain medication. I understand the pressure put on doctors about pain medications, but they should consider the condition of the patient.

I told the doctor I wasn’t coming off my pain medication. I started taking pain medication at age 62. I am now 79. I told the doctor that if I were 50 or 60 years old, I would go along with trying to quit taking medication. But I don’t want to deal with withdrawal at my age.

Many other people in my age group and condition should not be forced into withdrawal as we near the end of our lives. There are times and conditions when pain medications are necessary.